Protectors of Land: Allegations of Unlawful Activities are Unfounded

CANNON BALL, NORTH DAKOTA – The historic gathering of tribes from across the continent in opposition to the Dakota Access pipeline continues in the face of aggressive state repression and media manipulation.

North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalyrmple

Last Friday, Governor Dalrymple declared a State of Emergency in order to make additional state resources available to “manage public safety risks associated with the protest.”

Dalrymple has complained of “outside agitators” responsible for “hundreds of criminal acts,” and called on federal officials to help. But LaDonna Allard, Director of the Camp of the Sacred Stone, says, “The gathering here remains 100% peaceful and ceremonial, as it has from day one. We are standing together in prayer. No firearms or weapons are allowed. Why is a gathering of Indians so inherently threatening and frightening to some people?”

On Monday, August 22, the Morton County Board also declared a State of Emergency in order to access the funds released by the Governor – to request overtime wages, extra equipment, and money to reimburse other law enforcement agencies sending resources. This decision relies on a false narrative of violence put forth by Morton County Sheriff Kyle Kirchmeier, who last week announced outrageous, unsubstantiated claims of “pipe bombs” and gun violence at the protest site.

Dallas Goldtooth, Keep It In The Ground Campaign Organizer for the Indigenous Environmental Network says, “These are dangerous statements by Sheriff Kirchmeier and only foster greater resentment between local native and non-native residents. Furthermore, we have women, children and elders in our camp; and because of the Sheriff’s false narrative those families now have to fear for their own safety. ”

Meanwhile, the main road accessing the camp, Highway 1806, has been shut down by authorities since Friday. A military-style checkpoint is established at Fort Lincoln, where motorists are constantly surveilled with cameras and interrogated about their activities. Identities are recorded and anyone suspected of traveling to the protest site is turned away and forced to travel a long detour. These checkpoints violate constitutional protections and international law by restricting freedom of movement without justification. They further isolate a people who are already extremely geographically and politically isolated. At the same time, police presence has been amplified on the reservation and many have been racially profiled and harassed for no reason.

On Monday, North Dakota’s Homeland Security Director ordered the removal of state-owned medical trailers and water tanks from the camp, citing reports of unlawful activity and fears that the equipment is unsafe. Tara Houska, National Campaigns Director for Honor the Earth, says, “It is deeply ironic that the Governor would release emergency funds under the guise of public health and safety, but then remove the infrastructure that helps ensure health and safety in the camp. This is nothing but repression of our growing movement to protect our water and future generations.”

The North Dakota Highway Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation also announced they are investigating two incidents of “laser strikes” aimed at surveillance aircraft patrolling above the camp. “Why launch a federal investigation into a laser pointer instead of asking what right the US government has to fly surveillance planes over sovereign nations in the first place?” said Houska.

About The Author

A very interesting, disturbing, however, informative article. The contents describing current actions of North Dakota state officials has been occurring in all people’s protests whether peaceful or not. Anytime one or a group opposes matters that deeply concern the pocketbook of the rich negative and/or extremely disturbing actions/events will swiftly move in. Native Americans are unaware of the evils that support this type of opposition. It’s all on the internet now namely seen at the Trump rallies or Black Lives Matter gatherings. I think we are in for a rude awakening folks.

Richard Smith2 years ago

Lena Toledo makes a pertinent, shrewd observation about the machinations of the various departments of so-called law enforcement/justice. At 1st they were belligerent, but isolated in their fear mongering to the press, not yet coordinating with each other in their oppressive actions. Now they are: from the local sheriff to the governor/state police, to homeland security, to the FBI. And they have one unified goal in mind- to find any excuse, even if they have to manufacture it themselves, to wreak havoc and make arrests. At the same time vilifying Native Americans in the public eye, through the press, which in turn justifies their actions. To all of us, their rhetoric and actions are irrational, stirred up by unfounded fear. But I too, truly suspect there is diabolical “method to their madness”. They are all in the pocket of corporate oil money. History proves, as even recent events prove, as Lena points out, that wherever vested interests can influence government/law enforcement, they will, with a vengeance, because rationality is not their strong suit. Be very watchful until the court makes it’s decision; but even the courts are not free from influence. Plan your actions carefully. Again, Be strong, and safe.

Gene2 years ago

Reviewed many Sacred Stone Camp, ND site pictures & there are high voltage transmission lines in the area. Something interesting:

Abstract 1:
High-voltage transmission lines (TLs) are used to transmit bulk electrical power over long distances. As the voltage of transmission increases, the generated electric field also increases (EMF). Very high levels of electric fields (EMF) are generated by high-voltage overhead transmission lines. Therefore, corridors or right-of-way (ROW) limits are left on both sides along the route of transmission lines. But there is no study or data of DAPL on the effect of oil pipelines which may run in the corridor and parallel to the conductors of the TL on the electric-field (EMF) distribution at construction site locations.

Abstract 2:
The electromagnetic interference (EMF) caused by power transmission lines to oil and gas buried pipelines has been under investigation for many years. Especially during fault conditions, large currents and voltages are induced. Even under normal operating conditions, voltages and currents are induced on the buried pipelines that may pose a danger to working personnel or may accelerate the corrosion of the pipeline’s metal resulting in massive failure.

TribalMember2 years ago

I just wanted to add that, while we are all in prayer for our loving, devoted Protectors of the Earth. Lets also keep in mind those from far off and other countries, like Whales in the UK. Who stated they are with us for standing up for what is right. As they too have had to fight to keep their lands clean too.
I believe that other tribes too, they need our prayers and support too. We are ALL IN THIS TOGETHER ON ONE PLANET WE INHABIT.

Help support Native News Online by clicking on our sponsors' advertisements.

Facebook Likes

Archives

Archives

Subscribe to Native News Online

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.